Ostrov – Landscape and History

Ostrov can be explored from several perspectives: its landscape, a local legend, historical traces and cycling each offer a different focus. If you are considering Ostrov as a travel destination, you can decide which themes matter most for your stay – nature, local history or an active pursuit.

Landscape and the Legend of the Stone Herd

The landscape around Ostrov is shaped by the Sázava, Nezdínský potok and wooded areas. One specific landscape feature is named VKP 62 – Meze u Ostrova. It is a registered significant landscape feature: a system of field boundaries with naturally regenerated trees and shrubs. The description therefore points to an interplay of field structures and woody vegetation, rather than a single building.

Another perspective is offered by the natural formation “Kamenné stádo” in the northern part of the cadastral area of Ostrov. Local legend tells of a shepherd and his flock who were turned to stone. According to the legend, the quartz stones associated with them are still scattered across the pasture and along the edge of the forest; some boulders have been excavated. In Ostrov, you can encounter both a factual description of the landscape and a tale connected to a specific place.

Cycle Route 4156 and Different Surfaces

Cycle Route No. 4156 connects Ledeč nad Sázavou with Sázava u Žďáru nad Sázavou. It runs over asphalt as well as paved and unpaved surfaces, and is suitable for mountain bikes and trekking bikes. The changing surfaces are useful to bear in mind when planning: the route is not paved throughout, and the types of bicycles mentioned give you a concrete guide when choosing a bike. Surface information may change due to maintenance work; if needed, check the latest information before setting out.

The cycle route can therefore be considered through two different questions: Which places does it connect, and what surfaces can you expect along the way? This information relates to the route itself. Together with the landscape features and the natural formation, it offers several possible areas of interest without reducing them to a single activity.

Historical Traces in Ostrov

The first written mention of Ostrov dates from 1408. At that time, dues from Ostrov and Veliká are mentioned in connection with Ledeč Castle. Another historical date concerns the hill above Ostrov: it was renamed Deklarant on 14 August 1870. The two pieces of information tell different stories – the earliest written mention refers to Ostrov and Veliká in connection with dues, while the later date records the renaming of a hill.

Ostrovský mlýn is also part of the village’s history. The mill was powered by Nezdínský potok; in the mid-19th century, a small glass-grinding workshop was also in operation there. The mill and glass-grinding workshop add an economic dimension to local history. Together with the historical reference to Ledeč Castle, they create a picture of varied connections, rather than attributing the entire history of Ostrov to a single date.

A Glimpse of Local Events

Two recent examples show other sides of local life. At the second Traktoriáda, held on 28 September 2024, the competition course included a slalom, reversing, carrying a glass filled with water, a water trench and pulling a heavy tire. The challenges ranged from tests of skill to physically demanding competition stations.

At the eighth masked procession in 2025, participants sampled koblihy and a warming drink before the procession through the village. This example adds a different, culinary moment to the competition challenges. These dated events can be considered as individual impressions; the landscape, legend and history offer other starting points as you decide which themes you want to shape your stay in Ostrov.

Discover more destinations: Bělá, Trpišovice, Nová Ves U Leštiny, Vlkanov, Skryje, Borek, Nová Ves U Světlé, Horní Krupá.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.